Academy Director Mike Dove has called for a better attitude from his Under 18 team after they had to come from 3-0 down to salvage a thrilling 4-4 draw at Watford.

Mike's young troops started sluggishly at London Colney and were blown away by a talented Watford side, whose sharp early play saw them storm into a 3-0 lead before the visitors had got out of the blocks.

But for an inspired showing from goalkeeper Kurt Fox, things could have been a lot worse for Mike's team, and it took a second-half hat-trick from Charlie Collins to pull them out of the fire.

Collins struck twice in the before Dan Powell's third goal of the season brought the scores level on 79 minutes, but within 60 seconds Watford were back in front.

Collins' third in injury time gave the young Dons a point but Mike, whilst pleased with the eventual character his side showed, said the first half display wasn't good enough.

He said: "I kept the boys out on the pitch at half-time, I don't often get into them but I did on Saturday because the first half was embarrassing.

"I was very impressed with Watford, they were bright from the off, showed good tempo and worked incredibly hard - they had everything we lacked in the first half.

"We were giving away silly fouls and not operating like the unit that beat Bristol City the week before.

"We lifted a bit in second half once Charlie pulled one back, he took all three of his goals very well and deserves credit for that.

"Kurt Fox pulled off three excellent saves to keep us in the game and if anyone deserved to get something from it, it was him.

"I felt for Watford afterwards, they looked deflated and they probably deserved more from the game because their play was outstanding at times.

"We showed good character to come back from 3-0 and then 4-3 down, but the attitude and the application, particularly in the first half, were not up to the standards we demand."

Dons (4-1-4-1): Fox; Williams, King (c), Flanagan, Chicksen (England 73); M. Powell; Collins, Dowling, D. Powell, Farden (Carter 56); Delderfield.

Subs not used: Glass, O'Hanlon, Holmes.